Health tips on Celiac disease in Children

Gluten Intolerance is an important cause of chronic diarrhoea, failure to thrive, and anaemia in children.

Around 25 lakh children under five years of age probably have an undiagnosed celiac disease in India. Celiac disease constitutes 4% of all childhood diarrheal mortality.

Symptoms of Celiac disease in children

Chronic diarrhoea
Poor growth
Short stature
Anaemia
Poor school performance
Excessive fatigue or lethargy
Low body weight and weakness

It is responsible for the malabsorption of nutrients resulting in malnutrition. If left untreated, people with celiac disease can develop further complications.

Management of Celiac disease

Restrict wheat and wheat products
Take gluten free diet
Include Rice, Bajra or gram flour (Besan) in diet
Non-vegetarian diet can be taken
Take Milk and milk products

Symptoms of celiac may change over a period of time and may be different each time. Celiac disease cannot be cured but can be managed well by some dietary restrictions.